Video of the 2011 Kia Optima at NYIAS

At the 2010 New York International Auto show, Kia unveiled their all-new Optima. The big news with the 2011 Kia Optima is the offering of the hybrid powertrain, the brand’s first of its kind. With the hybrid option paired to the latest technology features and luxury amenities, the Kia Optima provides the best of the luxury, performance, and price worlds.

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“The all-new Optima is a new strand in Kia’s growing design DNA with a blend of simple and fluid lines and elegant but uncomplicated shapes that draw the attention of the eye in much the same fashion as a perfectly-tailored fine Italian suit,” said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors Corporation. “From the distinctive sweeping chrome accent that stretches through the C pillars to the sleek greenhouse and flared wheel arches, every inch of the Optima projects a distinguished and refined style and extreme attention to detail.”

The 2011 Optima is available in three all-new and fuel-efficient Theta II powerplants, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine or a 2.4-liter hybrid. The 2.4-liter GDI engine produces 200 horsepower1 and upgrading to the available 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (SX model) delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder engine that produces 274 horsepower1, while mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This represents Kia’s first application of GDI technology, while a 2.4-liter hybrid Optima will be introduced in 2011. All automatics feature SportmaticTM clutchless shifting. A single six-speed manual transmission is available only with the LX four-cylinder model.